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Tips for Visiting Barbershops and Hair Salons with Food Allergies

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FOOD ALLERGY TOOLKIT

illustration of barbershop showing mirror soaps and a lot of bottles of hair products
Hair salons and barbershops are significant places for many people. They offer more than just haircuts; they create a sense of community and belonging. However, many people don’t know that hair products can contain common food allergens like almond oil, walnut oil, shea, peanuts, coconut, soy, wheat, sesame, and dairy.

These places should be safe and welcoming for everyone, including those with food allergies. Here are some tips for an allergy-friendly visit.

Tips for making beauty salon/barbershop visits allergy-friendly:

Here is a list of products to make sure you check when making your appointment:

  • Shampoos
  • Conditioners (rinse-out, leave-in)
  • Styling products (hair gel, hair mousse, hair spray, styling cream, texturizing spray, heat protectant spray, hair wax and pomade, hair serum, hair gloss, hair toner)
  • Hair oils
  • Hair masks and treatments
  • Scalp care products
  • Hair colors and dyes
  • Hair relaxers
  • Perms products
  • Hair extensions
Did you know that before hair extensions are sold, they are often treated with products to make them look better and last longer? These treatments can include oils like argan oil, coconut oil, or silicone-based products to make the hair smoother and shinier.
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Preparation

  • Plan Ahead: Book appointments online or on the phone in advance.
    • By phone: ask what products they use and if there are any protocols for people with food allergies.
    • Online booking: make sure to add a note about your allergies or email to inform them about your allergies and ask about products.
    • In person: if possible make your appointment in person so you can review the products beforehand.
  • Google Products: Research the salon’s products at home.
  • Bring Your Own: Even if their products seem safe, bring some trusted products (shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, etc.). If something changes at the salon, you have safe options.

At the Barbershop/Salon

  • Arrive Early: Ensure you have enough time to review products without rushing or eating into your appointment.
  • Make Your Allergies Known: Inform your hairdresser/barber about your allergies as soon as you arrive.
    • Check the Products: Even though you have researched at home, read the ingredients on the products that will be used.
    • Clean Tools:  Ask the staff to clean their tools, such as scissors, combs, clips, razors, etc to ensure they are allergen-free.
  • Clean surfaces: Ask the staff to clean the sink, chair, hair dryers and seating to ensure they are allergen-free. Ask to use a towel as a layer between the cape if they cannot provide a clean one.
  • Wash Hands: Ask the stylists to wash their hands before starting.
Black man in barber chair getting a haircut
Feeling nervous?
Booking a consultation before committing to a hair salon or barbershop is a great way to discuss your needs. Here are some important points to cover:

  • The hairstyling you wish to have
  • The products used
  • How to create a safe environment for your allergens
  • What you may need to bring for your next appointment
illustration of a Black woman with Braids
Barber shop ingredients on the label of a product.

See Related Pages

Reviewed by:

Purvi Parikh, MD, FACAAI, is an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill in New York City. She is on faculty as Clinical Assistant Professor in both departments of Medicine and Pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine.

Michael Pistiner, MD, MMSc, FACAAI, is a board-certified pediatric allergist and immunologist. He serves as the Director of Food Allergy Advocacy, Education and Prevention of the Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston. He is the co-creator of the allergy educational website AllergyHome.org.